Government Eco-Action Mon.: The Office Goes Green

by Cynthia Bosnian on Monday, February 22, 2010
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OK, so it’s not actually The Office (that beloved TV show) but your office that soon may be getting a bit greener–especially if you work in Arlington, Virginia.

The county has been selected as one of four local U.S. governments (including Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; and San Diego, CA) to receive assistance in creating a Green Office Challenge program.

The innovative initiative, to launch locally in fall 2010, will engage property managers and office tenants in a friendly competition to save money, reduce energy, water usage and waste; and reach other environmental goals. Offices with the biggest savings over the course of one year will be recognized for their achievements.

The Challenge started last year in Chicago and is sponsored by the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a membership association of more than 600 local governments in the U.S. and 1,100 worldwide committed to advancing climate protection and sustainability.

With nearly 44 million square feet—more private office space than downtown Los Angeles, Denver or Dallas—Arlington County could reap significant energy and cost savings. Hailed in the DC metro area for its eco-efforts, Arlington will now have a chance to make its mark on the national map.

Complementing Arlington County’s existing programs to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, including the Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) Program, the Challenge has already been backed by Arlington businesses, and will be implemented with support from key community partners, including the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Economic Development.

To learn more about the Green Office Challenge, visit ICLEI USA .

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Tags: Arlington, arlington county, city renewed, government eco-action monday, green, Green Office Challenge, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, office, the office, virginia

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Cynthia Bosnian has written 22 stories on this site.

Lisa White

I’m a homeowner . I decided after choking on my heating bill one too many times that I had to bite the bullet and make my home more energy efficient. Sure I love the world but getting back some control over my bill was my goal. So the first step from what I have heard is to get an Energy Audit so I called a company to come out to my home and conduct one, Guess what? He told me I needed windows, and then he went back out to his car and brought in a sample window and started to “try” to sell me windows. After an hour of trying he told me he would have someone call me from the office to reschedule the Energy Audit because he no longer had the time to conduct it. What the…!? No thanks, I called another company he came in the door and asked where the attic hatch was, He walked ½ way up the ladder, shined his flash light in the attic came back down and told me I needed attic insulation and gave me a price. I asked him what about the Energy Audit he said they would be back out to do it before the insulation was done?! Needless to say I did not buy the insulation either.
I thought getting an energy audit would be simple, I guess was wrong. But after some research I found a company online called (energyauditsRus.com) they match homeowners with local home performance experts. So I thought third times a charm and filled out the homeowner form, lots of questions but at least they asked. I got a call a couple of days later and made an appointment for the audit. When I opened the door I saw a man standing there with actual testing equipment, boy was I relieved. He gave me a great tour of my home and did some safety testing for gas leaks and carbon monoxide. A few days later he called me and told me that my report was ready so I invited him back to review it, I was amazed how detailed it was and how much I learned about my house that has been my home for the last 12 years. Most importantly he gave me a plan to make energy improvements in my time line and budget. I did do my wall and attic insulation with the company that actually gave me the real Energy Audit and they did a great job. I have more to do but now I have a plan. I know this is a long comment but I hope it helps in the search of a real energy audit without the sales pressure.

Pace Butler

nice post...all offices should to be go green

Government Eco-Action Mon.: The Office Goes Green

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